After getting off to a quick start in the first quarter, the Lakers have struggled since against the Mavericks and trail 74-66 after the third quarter of Tuesday's game.
Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol have led the way for the Lakers, each with 18 points through three quarters. Bryant, playing despite foot and shoulder injuries, has made 9-of-11 shots although he is yet to attempt a free throw. Dwight Howard and Steve Nash have gotten off to somewhat slow starts in their Laker careers. Howard has 12 points and five rebounds, but scored just three points and didn't collect a rebound in the third quarter. Nash missed all three of his shot attempts in the third quarter and has five points and three assists thus far.
The Mavericks outscored the Lakers 26-20 in the third quarter increasing their lead to as many as 10 points. Darren Collison has been strong in his Mavericks debut, including six points and two assists in the third quarter. Collison leads Dallas with 16 points.
The Lakers have struggled from three-point range, making just 2-of-9 shots.